Stem Cell Research and Therapy

Stem Cell Therapy In The Treatment Of Neurological Disorders

- Lifecell Conference at Chennai Jan-2006 by Dr. Paul.R.Sanberg

Stem cells can be obtained from various sources such as brain, bone marrow, peripheral blood, cord blood etc. Of particular interest is the use of cord blood stem cells, which have numerous advantages over embryonic and adult stem cells. Cord blood is rich in haematopoietic and progenitor stem cells and can be used in treatment of both malignant and non-malignant conditions. It is easy to get and is associated with few ethical concerns. Furthermore, the immune immaturity and long telomerase are an added clinical advantage. The sample received from one cord blood can be used to treat 3-4 patients, where each patient would receive a dosage of 250 million cells. 

From the present study that was conducted on mice (mimicked stroke in humans), it was found that intravenous infusion of human umbilical cord stem cells (hUCB) of the order of 3-5 x 107, 2 days after stroke resulted in a dramatic improvement in the behavior of the animal. The fact that a stem cell could actually turn into a neural cell, when treated with appropriate levels of retinoic acid sparked the possibility of using it for neurological disorders. 

The umbilical cord blood was harvested and delivered to the lab within a period of 48 hours. Following this, the sample was layered over Ficoll Histopaque and subjected to gradient centrifugation to separate the mononuclear cells. The seperated stem cells were then introduced into the animal using intravenous injection, and surprisingly, the cells ‘homed into the brain region’, inducing a recovery. 

Following successful incorporation, the new cells started to secrete angiogenic factors, neurogenic factors and other growth factors. The use of mannitol along with the infusion increased the permeability of the blood brain barrier, eliminating the need for transfusion of a large cell population. The best migration of the stem cells was noted following 48 hours of the stroke, when the brain was more receptive to accommodate it’s new friend.

The results of the present study have valuable clinical implications. First, an adequate stem cell banking can ensure the treatment of all stroke patients within 48 hours. This form of treatment is non-surgical (I.V. injections) and can be done by a neurologist, cardiologist, radiologist or an emergency medical professional. 

In addition, it can be used for treatment of different forms of stroke, both ischemic and hemorrhagic. Most importantly, it would be relatively cheaper than the currently existing surgical options for the treatment of neurological disorders.